Benjamin Hooks

Benjamin Hooks is a former executive director of the NAACP.

"The NAACP created the Benjamin L. Hooks Distinguished Service Award, in his honor which is awarded to persons for efforts in implementing policies and programs that promote equal opportunity. Dr. Hooks also hold ths NAACP’s highest award, the Spingarn Medal, given to him in 1986.

"Dr. Benjamin Hooks currently serves as an adjunct professor for the Political Science department of the University of Memphis. In 1996, the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change was established at the University of Memphis. The institute works to advance understanding of the legacy of the American civil rights movement – and of other movements for social justice – through teaching, research and community programs that emphasize social movements, race relations, strong communities, public education, effective public participation, and social and economic justice.

"Dr. Hooks joins a growing list of NAACPers who are Presidential Medal of Freedom awardees. Long-time NAACP Executve Director Roy Wilkins, Montgomery bus boycott catalyst Rosa Parks and former NAACP Washington Bureau Dircetor Clarence M. Mitchell, Jr. all hold the distinguished honor."


 * Honorary Chair, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights
 * Former Leader, National Coalition for Haitian Rights